Sugar And Artificial Sweeteners
Sugar has not been proven to be a direct cause of cancer of the prostate or otherwise. But there are very solid arguments for leaving it out of your diet.
The link between excessive consumption of sugar and the onset of obesity and Type 2 Diabetes has long been established, and the health problems that these conditions cause can be ruinous for the individual involved.
Additionally, in 2009, the Huntsman Cancer Institute released findings that illustrated how cancerous tumor cells use sugar in much greater quantities than normal cells.
The findings seemed to confirm that extra sugar and sweeteners were best left alone for the maintenance of robust health.
Coffee And Prostate Cancer: Go Ahead Have Another Cup
Heres some news about coffee, the good, the bad actually, there is no bad to this story. Coffee is good! If you cant drink caffeinated coffee, decaf is good, too! Heres why:
Although most scientists are not yet willing to step out on a limb and proclaim definitively that drinking coffee prevents cancer or makes you less likely to have aggressive, high-grade disease if you do get it, undeniable evidence from several new studies suggests that this may indeed be the case.
Best of all, theres no downside. If you drink coffee, keep right on drinking it. Fill it to the brim! And if you dont already drink it, you may want to consider it.
Whats going on here? What about coffee has us so pardon the pun perked up? Well, theres a latte to consider, so lets look at the grounds for optimism starting with these findings, published in the International Journal of Cancer:
But what about actually drinking coffee? It turns out that there was an inverse association between coffee intake and prostate cancer risk. In other words, the more coffee the men drank every day, the less likely they were to develop prostate cancer. In this study, the men who drank more than three cups a day had the lowest risk of getting prostate cancer.
Or maybe it was what they were not eating high-fat, high-carb stuff like bacon cheeseburgers and chili fries. Or maybe it was what they were not drinking super-sized sodas, energy drinks, or sweet tea?
And feel free to have another cup of Joe.
What Drinks Are Bad For An Enlarged Prostate
Caffeine is inflammatory in nature, meaning itll likely make the problem of an enlarged prostate worse. Breakfast tea and coffee are the biggest culprits here but dont forget that many fizzy drinks and energy juices are also full of caffeine.
As I explained earlier in this piece, sugar can exacerbate any existing inflammation in the prostate gland so this gives further reason to avoid the likes of fizzy juice and energy drinks.
Another one to avoid if you have an enlarged prostate is alcohol. Again, this is inflammatory, though it also dehydrates us, drains our magnesium stores and increases the urge to urinate, all of which will make enlarged prostate symptoms more noticeable.
If youd like to know more about alcohol and an enlarged prostate then take a look at my blog How does alcohol affect an enlarged prostate?.
Also Check: Can You Have Radiation Twice For Prostate Cancer
What If My Psa Levels Are Considered High
If your test shows an increased PSA level, please consult your physician for further diagnosis. To help give you an idea of what your physician may do next to help you, heres a quote from Dr Jeffery Herz, MD of Halo Diagnostics:
Typically, an abnormal PSA level will result in a consultation with us which often involves obtaining a family history of prostate cancer, a complete medical/surgical history including current medications, a discussion regarding voiding status, evaluation of previous PSA levels , consideration of further evaluation including possible repeat PSA tests and the need for possible prostate biopsy
Jeffery Herz, MD | Board Certified Urologist, HALO Dx
If youâre interested in learning more about the innovative diagnosis and treatment techniques for prostate cancer, visit our partners at Halo Diagnostics to learn more about multiparametric prostate MRI and laser focal therapy.
Symptoms Of Benign Prostate Enlargement
The prostate is a small gland, located in the pelvis, between the penis and bladder.
If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can place pressure on the bladder and the urethra, which is the tube that urine passes through.
This can affect how you pee and may cause:
- difficulty starting to pee
- a frequent need to pee
- difficulty fully emptying your bladder
In some men, the symptoms are mild and do not need treatment. In others, they can be very troublesome.
Recommended Reading: New Laser Treatment For Prostate Cancer
Is Drinking A Lot Of Water Good For Your Prostate
Doctors recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water daily. You may need more water when you exercise or work in a hot environment. Drinking more than the required amount can increase your trips to the bathroom. Hydration is necessary, but do not overdo it.
For prostate problems, limit water intake before going to bed at night. This will keep you from waking up at night to urinate repeatedly.
Can Coffee Aggravate The Prostate
For men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia , drinking coffee could be an issue. This is because caffeine can stimulate an already overactive bladder, increasing urinary frequency. and urgency.
Some studies suggest coffee may also be a bladder irritant. Therefore, for men with urinary issues may consider curbing coffee intake to see if it helps improve urinary issues.
Individuals with lower urinary tract symptoms should avoid or be cautious in consuming caffeine-containing foodstuffs.
This pilot study trial found that drinking decaffeinated coffee instead of caffeinated drinks may improve urinary symptoms. Therefore, decaffeinated coffee may provide health benefits without causing bladder irritation.
However, high doses of caffeine can cause other health issues, such as irregular heartbeat and seizures.
The way in which coffee is prepared can also be a factor. A 2015 study in Norway looked at coffee brewed with a filter, and boiled coffee, which doesnt use such a filter. The study found that men who drank boiled coffee seemed to have a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who drank a cup of coffee prepared another way.
The chemicals cafestol and kahweol have well-known cancer-fighting abilities. Researchers believe these chemicals are trapped when coffee runs through a paper filter. Boiled coffee may allow these cancer-fighting chemicals to stay in your daily brew.
Also Check: Prostate Cancer In Older Men
Can Coffee Cause Bph
So far, the research does not point to coffee and caffeine as causes of BPH. One study found that men who drink coffee do have an increased risk of developing BPH, however its important to keep in mind that the research is preliminary, and that other dietary factors should be taken into consideration. For example, other studies have pointed to an association between the development of an enlarged prostate and the reduced consumption of vegetables and legumes.
How Do You Prepare For A Psa Test
You do not need to fast from food or drink before taking a PSA test. There are currently no foods or beverages to avoid before taking a PSA test. While some foods might be linked to prostate conditions, no scientific evidence links the consumption of one food to elevated PSA levels. There is no need to avoid certain foods, coffee or alcohol before taking a PSA test.
Also Check: How Do They Scrape The Prostate
Drinking Coffee Of Any Type Cuts Risk For Liver Problems Study Says
The Effects Of Salt Coffee And Sugar On The Prostate
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland positioned in the middle of the bladder and the penis. With age, men are likely to face prostate gland issues. The prostate secretes a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. During ejaculation, the prostate pushes this fluid into the urethra and it is ejected with sperm as semen. As men age, problems can arise in the prostate gland, including cancer. Most prostate problems are benign, however. Benign prostate enlargement , also known as , benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a condition that affects older men. Its mainly common among men over 60 years of age and isnt usually a serious threat to health. The most common symptoms include urinary complications or discomfort when urinating. It can be treated well if detected in the early stages, otherwise it is more like a slow-emerging cancer. There are certain foods that aggrevate or alleviate prostate problems. It is important to discuss with your healthcare professional for proper advice.
You May Like: How Is Prostate Surgery Performed
Also Check: Best Treatment For Intermediate Prostate Cancer
Five Foods To Protect Your Prostate
Good news if youre worried about your prostate health: What you eat can make a difference. There is plenty of strong evidence that good nutrition and an active lifestyle can reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer and slow its progression, says Mitchell Sokoloff M.D., Chair of the Department of Urology and Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
There are a few categorical changes you can make to your diet that make a big difference in overall health, as well as prostate health. What you eat can potentially disadvantage your prostate health e.g. foods you might want to avoid or protect the prostate in various ways. The Science of Living Well, Beyond Cancer recommends a diet that is high in colorful vegetables, low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, and moderate in animal-based protein . Some might refer to this as a version of the Mediterranean Diet. PCF-funded epidemiologist Lorelei Mucci, M.P.H., Sc.D., at Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health notes that people in Mediterranean countries not only eat more vegetables and fruits they also eat less fatty foods, processed food, and red meat categories that can increase insulin resistance, increase inflammation, raise cardiovascular risk and be a part of a dietary pattern that may increase obesity, as well.
What Foods Should You Avoid If You Have An Enlarged Prostate
While the exact cause of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is not entirely understood, we do know that what you eat can have a big influence on the health of your prostate. While some foods can help to reduce the risk of developing BPH, as well as lessening the severity of your symptoms, there are others which can actually aggravate the problem including:
- Red meat
- Dairy
- Alcohol.
Unfortunately gentlemen, as we can see, it is often some of our favourite foods that can cause inflammation flare-ups and bladder problems however, knowing the main culprits could help you to manage your symptoms better.
You May Like: Que Es El Cancer De Prostata
Tips For Cutting Back On Caffeine
Kicking caffeine to the curb may help your BPH symptoms, but doing so can be challenging. Caffeine is a stimulant, and its often addictive. Learn more about the effects of caffeine on the body.
- difficulty concentrating
- flu-like symptoms
Here are some tips to help lessen your caffeine intake and reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms:
- Keep a journal. Knowing how much caffeine you have each day, including caffeine in coffee, tea, chocolate, medications, and foods, can help you cut back. You may be having more than you realize.
- Dont quit cold turkey. This may cause withdrawal symptoms to be more severe. Instead, gradually reduce your caffeine intake. For example, if you have two cups of coffee each morning, have one instead or make yourself a cup that is half decaf and half regular coffee.
- Brew for less. You can easily reduce the amount of caffeine in your morning cup of coffee by simply brewing it for less time.
- Cut the caffeine. Try herbal or decaf teas instead of regular tea.
- Get enough rest. If youre overly tired, you may be more tempted to turn to caffeine for a quick pick-me-up.
- Take a walk. If you feel tired during the day, try walking for 5 to 10 minutes. This may give you a boost of energy and help you avoid that extra cup of coffee.
Treatment for BPH varies. You may not need treatment, or you may need medication or surgery. In addition to limiting caffeine, you may benefit from these lifestyle habits:
You May Like: How Does Prostate Cancer Spread
Coffee May Lower Prostate Cancer Risk
Study Shows Regular Drinking of Decaf or Caffeinated Coffee May Protect Against Prostate Cancer
May 17, 2011 — Men who drink coffee regularly appear to lower their risk of prostate cancer, especially the lethal form, new research suggests.
When the researchers looked at all forms of prostate cancer, ”the highest coffee drinkers had about a 20% lower risk of developing prostate cancer during the follow-up,” says researcher Lorelei Mucci, ScD, MPH, associate professor of epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health.
The 20% lower risk was found in those drinking six or more cups daily compared to none, she tells WebMD.
Coffee protected even more against the most lethal form of prostate cancer. Among those drinking one to three cups a day, the risk of lethal prostate cancer declined 29%, compared to that of nondrinkers. Among those drinking six or more cups daily, the risk for deadly prostate cancer was reduced 60% compared to that of nondrinkers.
The surprise: the risk reduction held for both regular coffee and decaf, leading the researchers to speculate it’s not the caffeine providing the protection.
The study is published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Other research has found coffee can lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, and liver cancer.
Read Also: Prostate Cancer Gene Test Helps Patients Decide On Treatment
Should You Be Drinking More Green Tea
If you suffer from an enlarged prostate it can help to drink more water and to reduce your intake of caffeine and alcohol. However, when it comes to drinks there is also one thats particularly beneficial if you suffer from this condition and thats green tea! You can find out more about this drink and why its so helpful in todays blog!
Dr. Jen Tan
Live A Lifestyle You Can Maintain
You can do the keto diet for a month just to lose weight. There are lots of diets you can do. But can you sustain it? There are circumstances where it can be suitable to diet, but for most of us, there isnt a need. Eating well isnt about discipline. Its what you should naturally want to do without too much effort. If it is an effort and youre going back and forth, if you cant say no to the dessert, then you need to address this. Free your mind so you can live life fully.
You May Like: Prostate Cancer Lower Back Pain
How Can Coffee Affect An Enlarged Prostate
The stimulant caffeine in coffee affects an enlarged prostate by increasing the rate of urination, causing the person to pee more than usual. It may also have an impact on the bladder sensation and contraction.
Stimulants are responsible for triggering certain changes in the regular functioning of the body system. Large doses of caffeine, for this reason, may result in affecting the muscles in the neck of the bladder. This will make a person urinate more.
Moreover, caffeine is a natural diuretic. This is why you get the sensation to pee more after having coffee. Even if the caffeine content doesnt affect the prostate directly, if a person is already having issues with an enlarged prostate, the stimulant may irritate the organ.
The diuretic effect of the caffeine will also produce the rate of urination and youll get frequent urgency to urinate if you have BPH.
This study on the Effect of caffeine on bladder function in patients with overactive bladder symptoms showed that caffeine can promote early urgency to urinate and the symptoms are more prevalent in the case of individuals with overactive bladder.
Its better to limit the consumption of caffeinated beverages to avoid any of these unwanted feelings if youre having an enlarged prostate.
Dont Miss: How Is Prostate Size Measured
Green Tea Vs Black Tea
After tea leaves have been picked they can be treated in two ways. The first is a process called oxidation where the leaves are left out in the fresh air. As the leaves react to the fresh air around them they turn brown and develop a slightly bitter flavour. These brown leaves are used to make your everyday black tea, otherwise known as English Breakfast Tea.
In the second process the leaves are heated gently to prevent oxidation and to ensure the leaves do not turn brown. These leaves are used to make green tea which has a milder flavour and aroma.
So, is green tea better for the prostate gland than black tea?
As the leaves are heated to produce green tea they release catechins and antioxidants which have a range of particularly formidable sounding titles such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate . These titles can be a little hard to get your head around so we dont need to understand them in any great detail however, what is worth knowing is that these substances can bring relief from prostate symptoms.
These substances are not released when the leaves are left to oxidise, as in the production of black tea, and without these chemical structures, the drink has significantly less impact on the prostate gland, making green tea the better choice of drink.
Doesn’t green tea contain caffeine?
Read Also: Can You Remove Your Prostate